• Wimbledon, Day Three

Watson ends decade of hurt for British women

Heather Watson reached the third round of a grand slam for the first time © PA Photos

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Stosur and Wozniacki sent packing
Federer sails past Fognini
Superb Watson reaches third round

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Heather Watson made a major breakthrough at Wimbledon as she reached the third round of a grand slam for the first time with victory over American Jamie Lee Hampton.

The British No. 4 also became the first British woman to reach the third round at the All England Club since Elena Baltacha ten years ago as she enjoyed a 6-1 6-4 victory on Court No. 2.

Following her impressive win over world No. 55 Iveta Benesova on the opening day, the draw had opened up for Watson after Hampton had disposed of No. 27 seed Daniela Hantuchova.

However, Hampton, who appeared to be struggling with a back injury, failed to demonstrate the tennis that saw her pull off an upset in the opening round as she quickly found herself 5-0 down.

In a battle between two players separated by just three places in the world rankings, it was Watson who started with real intent, taking full advantage as her opponent struggled to settle into her rhythm. The American, who made 15 unforced errors to Watson's three in the first set, held serve to avoid a whitewash, but Watson was clinical as she rattled through the opener.

The pair exchanged some brutal rallies in the opening game of the second set, and although Hampton fended off two break points, Watson tightened her grip on the match with an early break.

But as Hampton began to find her range, her shots started to cause problems for the Brit, and quickly broke back to claw her way back into the match. For a period in the second set, neither player seemed capable of holding serve and each time Watson got her nose in front, Hampton broke back.

As the pair traded breaks, Watson showed impressive defence against her more aggressive opponent, fending off four break points to take a 5-3 lead. Watson showed signs of nerves with a double fault on match point, but kept her cool to see out the match in an hour and 17 minutes.

Watson faces a huge task in the third round as she takes on third seed Agnieszka Radwanska. Radwanska, a former junior Wimbledon champion, needed less than an hour to see off Venus Williams' conqueror Elena Vesnina 6-2 6-1.

There was no double joy for Britain as Jamie Baker was defeated in straight sets by three-time finalist Andy Roddick. Roddick, who won the AEGON International at Eastbourne last week, resumed a break up in the second set, and edged out a determined Baker to claim a 7-6(1) 6-4 7-5 victory.

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